Cars are an expensive proposition here in the little red dot. They are mired in an endless sea of costly taxes and paperwork, inflating the sticker prices of new cars to scarcely believable prices.

Used cars therefore, present a more viable ticket to car ownership, especially for the younger car shopper, than new ones ever can be. Sure, a second hand COE car in Singapore will still cost significantly more than the same example elsewhere, but you do not have the costs and taxes associated with the importation of a new vehicle - you're just paying for a new COE, and this does means drastically reduced annual depreciation.

If you're after a used car, our classifieds are a great way to start your hunt for your next ride. But what are the steps you can take to minimise the risk of purchasing a lemon?

It isn't uncommon, especially if you are a first time car buyer and you're hearing this piece of advice from a more senior relative, that higher mileage cars are just endless money pits. They believe these cars already have components pushed right to the brink of failure, and that it'll spend more time in a workshop than actually shuttling you to and from work.

Now we aren't saying that all higher mileage cars are created equal and thus are all as dependable. Big numbers in the odometer department can definitely spell trouble if the car's previous owner regularly neglected the car's maintenance needs.

That being said, modern cars are actually quite sturdy, with examples elsewhere on the planet routinely hitting high mileage figures on their original running gear. As long as a car is regularly serviced and well maintained, last it well.

Again, a high mileage figure may not necessarly paint the fll picture; several examples on sale today may have already have pre-emptive mechanical refreshes in anticipation for its COE renewal, essentially turning back the clock on the oily bits components of the vehicle itself.

All car makers would have produced repair guides to ensure their cars can be safely put back on the road after a crash. If these guidelines are followed, a formerly accident-damaged vehicle should be no more dangerous to own or drive than a clean example.

Unfortunately, not all workshops are created equal. Some mechanics may opt for cheaper pattern parts in place of the factory originals, which can severely compromise the structural integrity should it be used in an area of key strength. Poorly repaired cars can also have issues with excessive tyre wear, problems with tracking or just flat out be unreliable.

Telltale signs of a shoddy repair include poorly fitting panels, and evidence of paint overspray, especially prevelant on the weather stripping, engine bay, or perhaps even on the trim panels around the wheelarch. Differences in paint finish and texture can also be a huge giveaway on a vehicle's potentially seedy past too!

Your average car owner will not sink thousands of their hard earned cash in trying squeeze every last little ounce of performance out of their vehicles. Only car enthusiasts will do so, and we also happen to be the ones who enjoy some spirited driving on tracks and on some mountain passes across the causeway.

In the best case scenario, quality aftermarket parts can shed weight and increase power for better overall enjoyment. However, as the car is now operating in parameters beyond what the manufacturer originally intended it to work at, the stock components will be subjected to the extra stresses, causing premature failure from excessive wear.

Modified cars are usually driven hard by their owners. Stock cars as such, are almost always a better buy, especially if they have the service history to back it up. Again, we aren't saying that all modified cars would have already been used to within an inc of its life; if you'd like a pre-modified car for the value it offers, consider one with a comprehensive service history, and with a list of name-brand parts from reputable aftermarket firms!

A fresh lick of paint and detailing with an industrious dose of OCD can either be a sign of a loving car owner, or a shrewd car dealer concealing a car's checkered history. If you'd like to not be taken advantage of, do consider the points we've raised above.

You have to look past that shiny exterior, and attempt to look for signs of neglect in places less commonly rectified. Check for mismatched bolts in the engine bay, and for excessive wear on the rubber boots on the pedals.

If the engine is running, switch the car off and let it cool down before starting it again. An already-running engine can be an attempt to conceal a weak or smoky startup, which are hallmarks of either a starter that is on the way out, or a leaky head gasket, respectively. Whilst the individual parts themselves are not expensive, getting them fitted often means dismantling the entire front end of your vehicle, and this means sky-high labour costs. If possible, send the car to a reputable mechanic to get a thorough once over to make sure you do not have to make some really expensive lemonade!

Another way of ensuring you don't end up with a car that people associate with a certain citrus fruit, is to purchase said vehicle from one of our trusted partners. With thousands of cars available for sale, you can definitely find something that will suit your budget and your needs! Click here to find out more!

If you are seriously looking for a quality used car, how about some cars that punch above their value? Or are you thinking of an ideal first car that is easy on the pocket?

Credits: Jek Ray Low